Overview
Hesperis is a bushy annual biennial in the genus Hesperis, part of the Brassicaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Hesperis grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens and flower borders and beds.
About
Hesperis is a bushy, deciduous cultivar within the genus Hesperis, which belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It produces clusters of fragrant, four-petalled flowers in shades of purple, cream, or white during spring and summer. This cultivar thrives in full sun or partial shade and is suitable for east, south, or west-facing aspects, tolerating both exposed and sheltered conditions. It prefers fertile, moist but well-drained soil, including chalk, clay, loam, or sand, with a pH ranging from acid to alkaline. Hardy to UK zone H6, it is well suited to cottage and informal gardens, wildlife gardens, and flower borders.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Hesperis
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Hesperis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial, Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Hesperis
- Propagation
- Seed sown in situ, Basal softwood cuttings in spring
- Pest resistance
- Cabbage caterpillars, Flea beetles, Slugs and snails
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Hesperis?
Hesperis prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Hesperis need?
Hesperis is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Hesperis hardy in the UK?
Hesperis has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Hesperis?
Seed sown in situ, Basal softwood cuttings in spring.
More in the Hesperis genus
- Hesperis laciniata
- Hesperis matronalisdame's violet
- Hesperis matronalis 'Cally Dwarf' (d)
- Hesperis matronalis 'Lilacina Flore Pleno' (d)
- Hesperis matronalis 'Variegata' (v)
- Hesperis sibirica
- Hesperis bicuspidataviolet-flowered rocket
- Hesperis matronalis var. albiflora 'Alba Plena' (d)